is it all about the music?

Nowadays, it seems to be not about the music anymore... I feel like music is a very small aspect of the whole industry. It’s all about the person and interviews and their social media accounts. Before, when none of this was around, ALL it was, was the music. Musicians did some interviews but their lives didn’t revolve around them as much as they do now. Their listeners got to use their imagination of what the band was like and didn’t demand to know every single detail of their life. Now if a musician were to say, keep something a secret and the fans found out... theres a 99% chance they would be MAD. Mad at a person for wanting to keep something private.. it’s ridiculous. I remember someone commented on how John Mayer is a douchebag and they don’t like his music because of that..I mean how ridiculous is that? Whether you like him or not, he is an extememly talented musician..why would you let his “personality” or things you’ve heard of him interfere with his great music? John Bonham..people looked up to him as one of the best drummers in the world, well guess what..he was kind of an asshole! (still love him though and may he rest in peace). Personally I think music should stop being SO associated with the artists who create it and people should just listen to the music because they like it, not because the lead singer is hot. As well, people should still listen to music, even if the lead singer is an ass. I mean it's all about the lead singer, right? Obviously if the artist is nice, it's always a plus but make it about the music because thats all that really matters.

Andrew McMahon

A lot of you might have never heard of Andrew McMahon but to me, he is one of my favourite artists. He has been in two bands (Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin) and is now making music solo. Aside from being an insanely talented at playing the piano, songwriting and singing, he is an amazing person. A very intelligent man but also he has gone through some traumatic life events that have shaped him into who he is today. When he finished the first record for Jack's Mannequin he got some devastating news and found out he had ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). With his positive attitude and Andy being the fighter he is, he managed to beat it ! :) Though that's not the main focus, I figured I should mention a little part of his back story since I am educated on it. 

I first started listening to Jack's Mannequin when they appeared on the hit TV show "One Tree Hill". Since I am a pianist, when I saw him playing the piano, I was mesmerized by him. This lead me to research his music and listen to it all! His first band was formed when he was in high school and that was Something Corporate, they definitely had a punk-rock sound to their music. While, when Andrew transitioned into Jack's Mannequin it was a bit more towards punk-pop. Both are fantastic bands with lots of albums, but Andrew decided to go solo after years of being in a band. All his songs are very piano-based and sound so different but yet the same. It is clear to tell the difference between these three musical acts, but thats what is great about them, they each have a different sound. His lyric writing is really incredible and it shows through all his songs. He has only released a few songs during his solo career. They are more pop than usual, but there is no complaining, the songs are brilliant. One of my favourite songs off his new EP "The Pop Underground" is Synesthesia.

I've had the privilege to see him in concert with Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin and while he was touring solo. I also got to meet him one time and he was a very lovely guy! So nice and took the time to meet EVERYONE who was in line. He has a very special place in my heart and I will always admire him. I have two tattoos that are both related to him. One says "Swim" and one says "Be Positive" in his writing. Swim is from his song called "Swim" by Jack's Mannequin, which is a song about never giving up and to swim for your life, even though it may not be the greatest at times. That song has always gotten to people and almost everyone can relate to it. I decided to get "be positive", he also has that tattoo, and we both agree that its nice to have it there on your arm, so when times are hard, you are reminded to be positive:) 

I hope you take the time to explore all his music and realize how magical and talented this man is! Also he has a foundation called "Dear Jack Foundation" that is geared towards helping young adults diagnosed with cancer. Check out this website and see if you can help! xx

-Lyndsay